An Utopian Plan of Praxagora: Aristophanic Assemblywomen in Social and Cultural Contexts Cover Image

Utopijny plan Praksagory. Próba społeczno-kulturowej interpretacji Sejmu kobiet Arystofanesa
An Utopian Plan of Praxagora: Aristophanic Assemblywomen in Social and Cultural Contexts

Author(s): Szymon Kostek
Subject(s): Language and Literature Studies
Published by: Towarzystwo Naukowe KUL & Katolicki Uniwersytet Lubelski Jana Pawła II
Keywords: Aristophanes; Assemblywomen; Greek comedy; matriarchy; sexual identity; stereotypes of women in classical literature; gender studies; cultural studies

Summary/Abstract: The article is placed in the scope of research of classical studies, drama and theatre studies, and cultural studies. It is an attempt of social interpretation of Aristophanes’ Assemblywomen. Utopia, matriarchy, cultural identity of sex or stereotypes of women and men are the main questions raised in the article. An utopian project of matriarchy created in the old-Greek comedy is a basic object of interpretation. The author employs propositions of interpretation submitted by Angus M. Bowie, Gwendolyn Compton-Engle, Jerzy Eanowski, Kenneth M. De Luca, Kenneth S. Rothwell. Assemblywomen shows that a big idea which could create wealth of society can be easily metamorphosed into its opposition. It should be said that Aristophanes’ theatre achievements supplement modern social and cross-cultural research and are important and attractive texts for demanding readers/spectators of any time.

  • Issue Year: 60/2012
  • Issue No: 03
  • Page Range: 21-33
  • Page Count: 13
  • Language: Polish